Many people opt to purchase pre-packed emergency survival kits. Although this can be beneficial in certain instances, there are other things you can do yourself to ensure your family is prepared.
Duct tape can be useful in many different situations, from building shelters and mending broken items, to flashlights, radio devices that work without batteries and solar- or hand-crank chargers.
Shelter
Shelter is one of the key elements of any survival kit, providing protection from elements such as wind, rain, snow and ice – which could all pose potential threats in an emergency situation. A properly constructed shelter also keeps people warm and dry to conserve energy, avoid hypothermia or frostbite and conserve energy resources more effectively. Many survival kits include tents that are easily set up that can act as temporary protection while waiting for assistance to arrive.
Survival kits should contain items to help people maintain their hygiene in an emergency situation, including things such as sanitary napkins, combs, razors, soap and wet wipes – essential supplies that can prevent health complications caused by poor hygiene in times of crises.
Survival kits can also assist people in keeping hydrated in times of disaster. They typically include water purification tablets that can transform dirty water into potable drinking water; emergency water bottles that hold enough to supply people for three days; and filters capable of filtering out contaminated waters.
Keep in mind that no one can predict natural disasters or emergencies with absolute accuracy, no matter our best plans. Therefore, it is vitally important that everyone maintains an emergency survival kit containing the essential supplies for such events.
Survival kits recommended by bug out bag academy can be stored in various ways depending on the user’s needs, from an easy-to-carry container such as a large storage tub to backpacks that can quickly grab and transport individuals in an evacuation. Their contents should be reviewed regularly to make sure everything in them is still relevant; any expiring items should be replaced promptly using either expiration dates on packaging or tools that allow users to track contents online.
Hygiene
Hygiene can often be overlooked during times of disaster. Their main priority should be survival, yet simple things like shampoo, toothbrushes and blankets can go a long way toward making them feel normal again and cared for – providing these kits is a way for someone else to show they care about them.
A hygiene kit contains essential personal care items like soap and toothpaste, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, sanitary products, shampoo/conditioner combo and comb; along with emergency cash. People with specific health requirements should include additional medication in their kit such as antacids/laxatives/allergy/asthma medications/any daily prescriptions they may take such as airtight containers with airtight gamma seal lids to store their pills securely while also ensuring appropriate dosages.
Water supplies during disasters may become compromised and contaminated with Vibrio cholerae bacteria, leaving household contacts of patients highly at risk of infection. According to research in Kasai-Oriental, DRC, hygiene kits combined with health promotion significantly reduced suspected cases of cholera among household contacts compared with non-kit households; this was likely primarily due to improved drinking water quality.
Johnson & Johnson Hygiene in Emergencies program (HHI) delivers hygiene kits to communities affected by natural disasters or other crises worldwide. HHI works in collaboration with disaster relief organizations like MAP International, Save the Children and MedShare to deliver these kits; Johnson & Johnson employees also take an active part in packing and shipping them as part of One Child, One Blanket program.
As well as hygiene supplies, a bug-out bag should also include: *A written disaster plan**Contact numbers of family and friends** Important documents such as insurance details or medical records** Food for the duration of an emergency* Clothing suitable to local emergencies should also be included, such as long-sleeved natural-fibre shirts suitable for bushfire or flood zones or rubber boots when flooding occurs *Sunscreen *Insect repellent*and wide brimmed hats are all helpful elements
Safety
Emergency survival may conjure images of lost hikers stumbling through the wilderness and sheltering from tree branches; but with an emergency survival kit at hand, staying safe doesn’t need to be so daunting.
These kits typically include all of the items necessary for staying clean, warm, and fed: food and water for three days plus first aid supplies as well as first aid/hygiene supplies; multi-tools/multi-purpose duct tape/whistles that may help restore order when things go awry; plus lightweight thermal energy blankets as shelter/warmth options.
These kits will contain items to increase light and visibility, such as glow sticks or reflective ponchos that provide illumination or serve as warning signals to others of your location. In addition, there will be water purification tablets as well as first aid supplies on hand in case any medical emergencies arise.
Most survival kits are tailored for one individual; however, some kits can provide enough gear for up to four people or more. Contained within durable backpacks is plenty of gear such as emergency food bars, water bottles, water filtration equipment as well as more serious pieces such as shovel/pickaxe, chem lights, RZ M2 air masks and crank radio/flashlight/charger.
Your survival kit should be located easily accessible for quick use if any unexpected event arises, making sure all family members know where it can be found. To maximize its usefulness, store it somewhere that makes access easy.
Remember to select high-quality items when assembling your survival kit to maximize its usefulness in an emergency. Read reviews and compare prices before purchasing items; testing out your kit regularly should also help ensure its effectiveness.
Help
Disaster preparedness checklists and guides often recommend having survival kits on hand in case of an emergency. While most of the suggested items should suffice in a crisis situation, it’s essential that your survival kit be tailored specifically to meet your needs and preferences – for instance if any prescription medicines are prescribed to members of your household it would be wise to include these within it as well as considering lifestyle factors and any challenges presented by an imminent disaster situation.
Most people are unprepared for natural disasters and other emergencies that might strike. Therefore, having a survival kit at home, work and on-the-go ensures you’re always ready to face whatever may come your way.
An effective survival kit will contain enough food and water for all members of your household for at least several days, shelter equipment such as blankets or ponchos, first aid supplies and medical aid supplies to keep everyone safe during an emergency. Your survival kit should be easily portable; stored in a backpack that allows easy identification in an event of crisis.
Survival kits also allow us to assist others when they’re in need. When an injury or sickness strikes in an emergency situation, your survival kit can provide first aid such as bandages, disinfectant wipes, gloves and sanitizers until professional medical help arrives. Furthermore, ropes included within it allow us to rescue someone who may have fallen or become stuck somewhere.
At home, having a survival kit will enable you to be ready for emergencies that typically arise in Australia, such as bushfires, floods, and storms. Being prepared will give you peace of mind knowing that both you and your family are protected against such emergencies – particularly useful in areas subject to tornadoes and earthquakes where swift action could save lives or avoid serious injuries.
